New dynamic atrium from Printemps

New dynamic atrium from Printemps

Printemps, the historic department store on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris, France, gets a makeover with a stunning atrium that runs vertically from the lower floor to the 9th floor.
Through its long history, Printemps is the first department store to use electricity, lift lifts and introduce modern architectural achievements such as large spiral staircases and 42-meter-tall dome. As part of today’s Printemps reconstruction, the goal is to introduce a new atrium that allows visitors to see all levels. New dynamic atrium from Printemps

The interdisciplinary research-based architecture studio, UUfie, in charge of this dynamic feature applies the concept of vertical dome, which is also called the hijab into the atrium as it pierces the heart of the building; reminded and saluted the store iconic stained glass dome seen in 1894. The hijab weighs 24 tons, but appears to float in front of a vertical circulation with glass floors and mirrored ceilings. 25.5 meters tall and 12.5 meters wide, consisting of a white painted aluminum panel with approximately 17,200 axis shaped openings that reveal the glass layer of Dichroic, which changes color based on people’s point of view, which gives it colorful qualities. The floral relief created by two layers of aluminum surface is an interpretation of the image found in historic stained glass; diverted to repetitive patterns which are then randomized to form a color burst on the white surface. New dynamic atrium from Printemps

New dynamic atrium from Printemps geometry is understood by connecting the four angles of emptiness with simple curves in plan and elevation. The combination of two-dimensional curved panels gives the overall shape of the full veil. Proper assembly allows for perfect joint control between each panel. On the opposite side of the hijab is a one-way mirror wall covering the twelve newly installed escalators. This creates a reflection that complements the hijab symmetry and gives the appearance of a widened void.

Visitors approach the space through the dark hallway to the escalator behind a one-way mirror. Between floors 4-8, a hole in the wall of a one-way mirror gives an unobstructed view of the hijab. Development through space provides a variety of perspectives and moments to experience the ever-changing color and color changes in the void. Acting as the backbone of the main building, it channeled energy to different retail concepts on every floor and brought some of the building’s history to date.

To negotiate existing building constraints and strict fire regulations has resulted in a symbolic and expressive space of ingenuity in architecture and engineering. The entire project was built in just eight months, while the shops are still operating. New dynamic atrium from Printemps